I recently did a 40 minute drive in a blizzard.
I have to say, I usually am a pretty confident driver, but for once in my life I felt quite nervous. Maybe it’s because I had my 6 month old in the back seat.
I was grasping the steering wheel tightly and praying that we would just make it home in one piece.
As I was driving, the wind picked up and the snow swirled in large dusty clouds around me. It shook the car.
Trying to stay calm, I took it very slow. Even though the speed limit was 60, I was averaging a speed of about 35 miles per hour.
With every white out cloud that breezed through my path and every semi or hefty SUV that passed me, I became more and more frustrated and afraid.
I kept driving and driving and then things got worse. (As if that was possible)
Once again, another truck was gaining traction behind me and before I knew it, started to pass me.
“UGH!! This is so frustrating. Don’t all of these cars passing me realize how bad the conditions are? Maybe they’ll get in an accident…then they’ll learn…” I am embarrassed to admit the things I was saying in my head. But needless to say, I was not thinking kind thoughts about these cars passing me.
As the huuuuuge semi truck passed me and sped ahead, the worst white out conditions yet started swirling around and engulfing my small car.
But guess what?
I could still see the blaze red lights of the semi truck up ahead.
Because the semi had gone around me, it was guiding me safely on.
If that truck had not been in front of me, I think I would have had to pull over and prolong venturing towards my destination.
Even more, as conditions continued to worsen, I noticed there were about 3 or 4 cars driving cautiously behind me. Watching my every move.
The bright red lights of that truck shone bright all the way until myself and the caravan of cars behind me made it safely into the next town, and from there the conditions calmed down.
I was able to get home, both me and my darling 6 month old daughter in one piece.
So what’s the lesson to learn about driving in a snowstorm?
FIRST – Sometimes life throws you challenging situations, and it’s okay to be afraid and move forward with caution, wanting to be thoughtful and strategic about how you’re moving through life. (I’m not advocating for not taking risks, but sometimes it truly is okay to slow down)
SECOND – The truck represents the times when we feel jealous because we see others “speeding ahead” of where we want to be in life. Times where we want to go faster, but it just isn’t possible.
As frustrating as this can sometimes be, it happens for a reason.
That truck was stronger and better equipped to venture forward at a faster speed. It’s natural to feel jealous when we look around and think “That person is more successful than me” or “They are at a stage in their life where I want to be,” but it’s important to think about how we can learn from those who are having success.
By following others and choosing to admire their success and learn from it, it will help us venture forward with confidence.
FINALLY – You never know who might be following you, even when you are going through challenging circumstances. The lights from my car were able to radiate a path for others to follow. And because I was cautious and focused, I was able to lead those behind me safely to the next town.
So next time you’re in a “literal” snowstorm or a “storm of life,” take time to pause. Think about – who is a leader you can follow who’s been through something difficult and has weathered the storm? Who could you be setting an example for or leading the way forward for?
You never know when your lights will be leading someone else to their next destination.